House to Home

I have the itch. I dream of the sweet taste of lemonade, the hearty smell of charcoal, and have visions of fireflies dancing in my head! I’m ready for summer but specifically for entertaining in my backyard—having friends over to enjoy good food and build memories—ahh I can’t wait! Who’s with me!? I thought today we could add to the itch by checking out some of the internet’s favorite backyard entertaining ideas.

Being green isn’t just for the hippies of yesteryear, soccer moms, and PETA members; there are things that every day people can do that will contribute to the preservation of our environment. An environmentally-responsible home not only saves our planet but also will save you money. Here are some simple decisions that can do both:

Snow White welcomed all the woodland creatures with her song and sweet demeanor. But not all of us are fortunate enough to have her looks and singing voice so if we want the joy of woodland creatures to be a part of our back yard we may have to try a bit harder. And why wouldn’t you want wild life in your back yard? It brings the beauty of nature to your property and is living proof that your place is safe.

November. December. January. February. March. April. I don’t know where you live but during these months, my patio and deck are not getting any love. They only serve as a spot for leaves to collect, ice to form and muddy paw prints to gather. But once that icky weather moves out, it is time for some outdoor living! I hate to say it but I don’t even use my outdoor area until late summer, early fall because it takes that long to get motivated to make it a space in which I want to be again. Together, let’s check out at ways to give our outdoor living areas a bit of life, making them useful again!

Above ground Pool? In Ground Pool? Just opt for Sprinklers? With summer around the corner, we can look forward to fun in the sun, which usually involves sipping on sweet lemonade and enjoying some sort of water fun. But how do you choose? Budget of course plays a big role in making a good decision but also consider the area in which you live.

When did a yard full of dandelions stop representing endless wishes? I’m guessing, somewhere around the home ownership phase of our lives. In fact, I’ve witnessed a grown man scold his toddler for blowing on a dandelion, “What are you doing? Don’t blow that!” If this whimsical, yet incredibly annoying weed has taken over your yard—don’t fret! We have a natural remedy below:

Nothing greets guests like a 4 foot tall planter in the shape of your last name. Monograms are all the rage and if you’re looking for a way to add interest to the exterior entry of your home, look no further than this awesome DIY Cedar Monogram Planter Box by Michelle at www.ellerydesigns.com.

You don’t have to have acres of land, a tractor, and a few chickens to glean the garden you’ve always dreamt of. If homesteading is a passion of yours, or you’d just like to try your hand at a few food-yielding plants, here are some things to consider.